Cigar-box.



No. 761,780. PATENTED JUNE 7, 1904.

J.. MORSTATT. v

CIGAR BOX. APPLIOATION FILED rms. 1.1904.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

PATENTED JUNE 7, 1904. J. MORSTATT.

GIGAR BOX. APPLIUATION FILED TBB. 1.1904.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

`No MODEL.

'me News persas cu. mormumo, wummom n. c.

UNITED STATES Patented June '7, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPII MORSTATT, OE ASTORIA, NEw YORK, ASSIGNOR OE ONE-HALE To' ZOLTAN MoSI-IIIovITZ, .OEONEW YORK, N. Y. A

lClGlAF-BOX.

SPECIFICATION -forming part of Letters Patent No. 761,780, dated June 7, 1,904.

Application filed February 1, 1904.

To @ZZ whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, J OSEPII MORS'IATT, a citizen of the United States, residingin Astoria,

borough of Queens, New York city, in the county of Queens, State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Cigar-Boxes, of which the following 1 is such a full, clear, and exact description as ments in abox adapted to hold cigars or like articles, which are generally arranged in layers, and certain parts of the improvements relate more particularly to such a box, which is known as non-reillabley and which isa well-known article particularly designed to prevent the unfair or fraudulent practice of a dealer substituting inferior articles or cigars in the box or Substituting aA different brand from that marked on the box.

I have illustrated a type of ymy invention in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure l is a -perspective view of my improved box shown with the lid raised and as being filled with cigars, with the revenue` or other stamp or mark on the front side of the box intact in so far as its multilation is concerned by the multilating device, which is hereinafter described. Fig. 2 shows in perspective one corner of the box after the same has been emptied of its cigars and with the revenue stamp or other mark upon its exterior shown as acted upon by the mutilating device. Fig. -3 is avertical cross-section taken centrally through the box with the lid raised as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view of the box shown in Fig. 3, the plane of the section. being indicated by the line 4 4, Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a vertical central section of the body of the box, the plane of the section being Yindicated by the line 5 5, Fig. 3, and the view taken in the direction of. the arrows. Y In this view the contents of the box are shown as reduced to the last layer, upon the removal of. which the mutilating device comes into play, as hereinafter described.

Serial No. 191,417. (No model.)

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the mutilating device acting in conjunction with the slot in the side of the box, over which slot the revenue stamp is placed, the view being shown on a somewhat enlarged scale. Fig. 7 is a detail view of a portion of the Jfollower and one of its spring-arms for forcing it outwardly and engaging the teeth on the follower.

Referring to the drawings, in which like numbers of reference designate like parts throughout, l designates a box of arectangular shape like that ordinarily used for cigars. Within the interior of the box is a loosely-fitting follower or false bottom 2, which in the construction shown consists in a thin solid board of wood or other suitable material, upon the back of which are formed sets of locking teeth or notches 3 3, one set of such teeth being disposed near each corner of the rectangularly-shaped follower and extending in a line substantially diagonal thereon, as shown in Fig. 4. These teethy or notches 3 are engaged by -the respective ends of four springarms 4, which project outwardly toward each corner of the box and curve upwardly, each of said Springs acting to push upon the back of the follower and force it up toward the top of the box. f 'lhese four spring-arms 4 are provided by using two ilat steel springs of a bow shape, with the bow extending downwardly into the box and the two pieces being crossed X-shaped in the bottom ofthe box and secured therein and to each other by a suitable rivet 5. "The normal position of the follower 2 is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, where it lies at the lowest point in the bottom of the box, with the springs 4 4 flattened out and en- `after which the locking-pin 6 is withdrawn by the manufacturer before the box is put on the market.

The cigars shown at 10 in the box are kept from being forced out of the box by the follower by means of a retaining device 11, which in the present instance consists in a thin metallic band or strip placed centrally across the top of the box and secured suitably to the interior of the opposite ends thereof, so as to lie flush with the upper edges of the same, as shown in the drawings. This band may be fastened in place by means of a suitable flange 12 on each end, being tacked or riveted to the sides of the box. This band should be of a tough and sufciently rigid material to keep the cigars in place, and it should only be of a width necessary for it to securely hold the cigars, at the same time not to cover or conceal them, so that any one in looking at the cigars in the box can get a sufficiently full view of them.

The box is provided with a lid 13, which is hinged at 14 to one edge of the box, and one side of the box, preferably the front side, is formed with an opening at 15, which in the present instance is made by reducing the height of the lfront side of the box, and this opening practically exposes the ends of the upper layer of cigars in the box, as will be understood more particularly from Figs. 1 and 3, so that the cigars may be extracted from the box by drawing them endwise through the opening 15. The openingl is closed by a suitable cover 16, which is made to snugly fit the opening, and in the present instance it is secured to the frontJ edge of the lid 13, on which it forms practically a downwardly-projecting fiange, so that on closing the lid 13 .of the box the opening 15 is at the same time closed by the cover or part 16 on the lid. This opening in the upper part of the box affords a ready means for withdrawing the cigars from beneath the retainingband 11, and the cover 16 for such opening may or may not be part of the lid, as shown.

The follower 2 is' constantly pressed outwardly toward the opening in the top of the box, and as soon as one layer of cigars has been withdrawn the follower forces the remaining lot upwardly toward the top, so that the next subjacent layer becomes the uppermost one, and so on until the last layer of cigars is forced uppermost, as shown in Fig. 5. When this lastlayer of cigars is removed, the follower moves practically to the top of the box, as shown in Fig. 2. In this connection it should be noted that by virtue of theY particular shape of the teeth 3 of each of the sets of teeth engaged by the ends of the spring-4 it is not possible to depress the follower 2 at any point of its movement, and thisis intend- The mutilating device comprises an oblique slot 17 in the front side of the box, near one end thereof, and it is adapted to be covered upon the exterior thereof with an ordinary revenue stamp or other such mark 18, which is usually placed on a box of cigars. Within the interior of the box is a fiat spring-arm 19, secured at 2O to the bottom of the box, and its free end carries a suitable projection or pin 21, which projects through a slot 17 and sufficiently far upon the exterior of the box to pass through or puncture the stamp 1h placed over said slot. When the spring-arm 19 is retracted, it lies flat in the bottom of the box, as indicated in the several views; but as soon as it is released it fiies upwardly, thereby carrying its pin or projection 21 practically through the length of the slot 17, so that it stands at the upper end thereof, as shown in Fig. 2. When this movement oecurs, the stamp 18, placed over theslot, is torn and mutilated a distance the length of the slot, as indicated in Fig. 2. Thismutilation, however, does not take place by degrees, but only when the follower has reached its outward limit, which occurs when the last layer of cigars has been removed. This mutilating device is maintained in locked position throughout the outer movement of the follower by means of a locking-arm 22, which is pivoted in the bottom of the box at 23 and is constructed to-lie over upon a part of the spring-arm 19, as shown particularly in Fig. 6, and to itself be engaged l a traveling finger or member 24, which is pivoted at 25 in the bottom of the box. This` finger 21 is not quite a length that is equal to the depth of the box, but it is such a length that it remains in inclined position throughout the outer movement of the follower upon the back of which the free end ofthe finger bears and against which it is held by means of the tendency of the locking-arm 22 to risc upwardly under the constant spring-pressa re of the arm 19. The continued oblique position of the traveling finger 2a keeps the locking-arm 22 down, as will be particularly understood from Figs. 5 and 6, and holds it in this position until the arm 24 can move into practically vertical position, at which time the lockingarm 22 is free to rise. As soon as the last layer of cigars (shown in Fig. 5) is removed,

the follower is forced practically to the top of the box, and the traveling finger 21, which constantly moves after it, is then free to be turned into vertical position by the lockingarm, which latter thereby releases itself, whereupon the spring 19 with a single stroke forces the pin 21 through the stamp '18 and mutilates it, as indicated in Fig. 2.

As the revenue regulation in regard to the cancellation or destruction of revenue stamps on cigar-boxes does not require the revenue stamp to be destroyed until the box is emptied of its contents, my invention in this respect has the important advantage of not mutilatlOO llO

all of the cigars lhave been removed, whereupon at a single stroke the mutilator acts and cuts and tears the stamp throughout a considerable portion thereof. It will be also noted that in addition to the retainingldevice 11 keeping the cigars on a levelwithin the box against the action of the follower this device also renders it more difficult for the fraudulent refilling of the box with which it is used, as it serves as an additional obstruction or guard for the open part of the box and prevents the refilling of the box. The opening 15, through which the cigars are extracted endwise from the box, is also a convenient arrangement that possesses obvious advantages.

While I have shown the Jfollower 2 as a solid board,- it of course may take any suitable form and be made of open-work, if desired; but the solid construction is preferable.

I Wish it to be understood that I do not limit iny invention to the specific constructions of the various parts -herewith shown, as it is evident that modifications may be made in the same, respectively, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The combination of a box adapted to contain articles in layers and lprovided with a spring-pressed follower for pressing the contents of the box toward the top thereof, a retaining device extending across the upper part of the box to retain the contents therein against the pressure of the follower, one side of said box at or near its upper part being provided with an opening in a plane practically parallel with said layers and through which a portion of the upper layer of the contents of the box may be extracted endwise, substantially as and for 'the purpose set forth.

2. rIhe combination of a box adapted to con# tain articles in layers and provided with `a spring-pressed follower for pressing the con# tents of the box toward the top thereof, a retaining device extending across the upper part of the box to retain the contents therein against the pressurev of the follower, one side tain articles in layers and provided with a spring-pressed follower for pressing the contents of the box toward the top thereof, a retaining device extending across the upper part of the box to retain the contents therein against the pressure of the follower, one side of said box at or near its upper part being provided with an opening in a plane practically parallel with said layers and through which a portion of the upperlayer of the contents of thevbox may be extracted endwise, a removable cover for said opening through which the contents are extracted, and a movable lid'for said box, said lid being connected with the cover for said opening and acting to open said cover when the lid is opened, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

4. The combination of a box adapted to contain articles in layers and provided with a spring-pressed follower for pressing the contents of the box toward the top thereof, a retaining device extending across the upper part of the box to retain the contents therein against the pressure of the follower, one side of said box at or near its upper part being provided with an opening in a plane practically parallel with said layers and through whicha portion of the upper layer of the contents of the box may be extracted endwise, a movable lid for the top of said box, a cover for said opening through which the contents are extracted, said cover being secured to end edge of said lid, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

5.v The combination of a box adapted to contain articles .in layers and provided with a spring-pressed follower for pressing the contents of the box toward the top thereof, a retaining device extending across the upper part of the box to retain the contents therein against the pressure of the follower, the upper edge of'one side of said box being cut away to constitute an opening in a plane practically parallel with said layers and through which a portion of the upper layer of the contents of the box may be extracted endwise, a lid hinged to Ione side of the box opposite to the cut-away side and having its front edge provided with a downwardly-extending piece adapted to fit the said opening as a cover when the lid is closed, substantially as and for the purposeset forth.

6. The combination of a box adapted to con* tain articles in layers and provided with a`- spring-pressed follower for pressing Athe'contents of the box toward the top thereof, a retaining band or strip extending across the upper part of the interior of said box so as to retain the contents therein against the pressure of the follower but not to conceal such contents, the said band being made of a' sufficiently tough and rigid material for resisting the pressure'thereon, the said box being provided with a suitable opening in a plane practically parallelwith said layers and through IOO IIO

which a portion of the contents lying uppermost in the box may be extracted endwise from under said retaining-band, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

7. The combination of a box adapted to have the contents thereof arranged in layers such as cigars, a spring -pressed follower arranged within the box beneath said contents and serving to press the same toward the open part thereof, the said follower gradually moving toward the open part of the box as the layers of contents are reduced, a mutilating device adapted when released to mutilate or destroy the revenue or other stamp or mark upon the exterior of the box, the said mutilating device being normally held from action by the presence of the contents of the box and until practically the last layer thereof has been extracted, said mutilating device then being' released and acting' upon said stamp or mark, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

8. The combination of a box adapted to have the contents thereof arranged in layers such as cigars, a spring-pressed follower arranged within the box beneath said contents and serving to press the same toward the open part thereof, the said follower gradually moving toward the open part of the box as the layers of contents are reduced, a mutilating device adapted when released to mutilate or destroy the revenue or other stamp or mark upon the exterior of the box, the said mutilating device being normally held from action by the position of the follower and until the follower has moved practically to the top of the box after the extraction of the last layer of contents, said mutilating device being then released and acting to mutilate or destroy said stamp or mark, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. The combination of a box adapted to have the contents thereof arranged in layers such as cigars, a spring-pressed follower arranged within the box beneath said contents and serving to press the same toward the open part thereof, the said follower gradually moving toward the open part of the box as the layers of contents are reduced, a spring-actuated mutilating device for mutilating or destroying a revenue or other stamp or mark upon the exterior of the box, locking means normally holding said mutilating device retracted and provided with a traveling member or linger which travels after said follower and serving to keep the locking means locked throughout such movement and until the follower has reached its outermost position, the said traveling member or linger then acting' to release said locking mechanism of the mutilating device, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

l0. rlhe combination of a box adapted to have the contents thereof arranged in layers such as cigars, a spring-pressed follower arranged within the box beneath said contents and serving to press the same toward the open part thereof, the said follower gradually moving toward the open part of the box as the layers of contents arc reduced` a spring-matuated mutilating device, a pivoted arm adapted to engage said mutilator and normally hold it against the action of its spring, a traveling` member or linger adapted to be engaged by said locking-arm and to maintain the same locked while said linger travels after the follower and until said follower reaches its outermost position,the said linger then releasing thel arm to unlock said spring-actuated mutilating device, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

11. The combination of a box adapted to have the contents thereof arranged in layers such as cigars, a spling-[nessed follower arranged within the box beneath said contents and serving to press the same toward the open part thereof, the said follower gradually moving toward the open part of the bex as the layers of contents are reduced, said box being provided with a slot in a suitable part thereof and over which a revenue or other stamp or mark is placed upon the exterior of said box, a mutilating device for said stamp or mark comprising a springarranged within the box and provided with a projection or pin extending through said slot and into said stamp or mark covering the slot, a pivoted locking-arm adapted to normally engage said spring to hold it in retracted position, a pivoted traveling member or linger adapted to normally engage said locking-linger to hold it in locked position as said linger or member travels after the follower and until the l'ollower has reached its outermost position, the said linger or member then serving' to release said locking-arm to permit said Aspring to force its pin or projection through said stamp or mark to mutilate or destroy the same, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

12. The combination of a box adapted to have the contents thereof arranged in layers such as cigars, a spring-pressed follower arranged within the box beneath said contents and serving to press the same toward the open part thereof, the said follower gradlutlly mor- 'ing toward the open part of the box as the layers of contents are reduced, said box being provided with a slot in a suitable part thereof and over which a revenue or other stamp or mark is placed upon the exterior of said box, a mutilating device for said stamp or mark comprising a spring secured by one end in the bottom of the interior of the box and provided at its free end with a pin or projection extending through said slot and into the stamp or mark covering the slot upon the exterior of the box, a pivoted locking-arm adapted to overlap said spring when the same isdepressed or retracted, a pivoted traveling' linger or member pivoted by its lower end to the bottom of the box and engaging with its free end llO the back of the follower and being of such length as to be maintained in inclined position during the outward movement of the follower and until the follower reaches its outermost position and said linger or member serving when in inclined position to keep the lockingarm in locked position but to release the same when said linger or member is free to assume a practically vertical position, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

13. rlhe combination of a box adapted to contain articles in layers and provided with a spring-pressed follower for pressing the contents of the box toward the top thereof, a retaining device extending' across the upper part of the box to retain the contents therein against the pressure of the follower, one side of said box-at or near its upper part being provided with an opening in a plane practically parallel with said layers and through which a portion of the upper layer of the contents of the box may be extracted endwise, and a mutilating device adapted when released to mutilate or destroy7 the revenue or other stamp or mark upon the exterior of the box, the said mutilating device being normally held from action by the presence of the contents of the box and until practically the last layer thereof has been extracted, said mutilatingdevice then being released and acting upon said stamp or mark, substantially as and for the purpose set A forth.

Intestimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 28th day of January, 1904:, in presence of the two subscribing witnesses.

JOSEPH MORSTATT.

Witnesses:

lt. G. Y MONROE, WILLIS FowLER. 

